Singer-songwriter Alastair Griffin held an intimate gig for fans and supporters in York at the beginning of a year which will see him write the theme for one of the county’s biggest-ever sporting events.

Alastair, who came to prominence more than a decade ago when he starred on the BBC’s Fame Academy and used to busk in York, has been commissioned by Welcome to Yorkshire to write the official theme song for the Tour de France’s Grand Départ when it arrives in Yorkshire this summer.

He staged the concert for 100 people at York’s Pitcher & Piano.

Alastair, from Whitby, wrote the theme tune for Sky Sport’s Formula One coverage and his music formed the soundtrack for a montage of Andy Murray’s Wimbledon triumph last June, which was watched by 16 million people.

Liz Stainthorpe, Alastair’s manager, said Friday’s gig was staged to thank those who had supported Alastair over the past year.